Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio received a total of six awards in this year’s Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
The 33-year-old Oxford resident received second place in the editorial writing category for his pieces on last year’s cityhood vote in the village and the school bond election that took place in February.
Of Carnacchio’s work, the judges wrote, ‘These editorials left no doubt as to your opinion and that is how a well-written piece should be. The writing style made it seem as if you were talking with a friend and not giving a lecture.?
In the picture story category, Carnacchio earned second place for his photo page ‘Cats got spirit,? depicting the 2008 OHS homecoming pep assembly.
‘Good variety of pictures showing kids having lots of fun. Good expressions and good angles,? the judges wrote.
Carnacchio won second place in the sports photo category for a picture entitled ‘Houston, we have lift-off,? which depicted an OHS track team member participating in the long jump. This is the second award he’s won for that photo.
In the feature writing category, the editor received an honorable mention for his story ‘A Royal Visitor.? The piece was about the Michigan Renaissance Festival Queen and members of her court coming to visit Oxford resident Kelly Morrison.
‘It’s the type of story that puts a smile on the reader’s face. I enjoyed the tone of the story ? calling her Lady Kelly and saying things like ‘a shiny magic disc!? Nice work,? the judges wrote.
Carnacchio’s stories leading up to the village’s cityhood vote in August 2008 earned him an honorable mention in the enterprise reporting category.
And finally, Carnacchio earned an honorable mention in the feature photo category for his picture of a girl doing the limbo at the annual Daddy Daughter Dance.
‘So many entries could earn an honorable mention in this category, mostly because photographers were ready when that unique picture came along. This one had an edge by bringing that little bit extra. Great frame, simple subject pops from background,? the judges wrote.
Since starting with the Leader in May 1999, Carnacchio’s now earned a total of 39 awards from the Michigan Press Association, Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Newspaper Association.